Journey to an island in the middle of the sacred Lake Pielinen, and learn about the shamanic traditions.
Learn about shamanic traditions at Koli in North Karelia, Finland
6.-9. JUNE 2024
AT TARINA-AHO TRADITIONAL WOODEN RESORT,
KELVÄNSAARI ISLAND, KOLI
SHAMANISM EXPERIMENTALLY AT AN ISLAND * ONE OF THE MOST SACRED NATURAL PLACES OF EARTH * TRADITIONAL FINNISH SMOKE SAUNA EVERY EVENING * BOAT JOURNEYS ACROSS THE LAKE *
Guided by Helena Karhu
Welcome to Koli in North Karelia in the summertime. This is one of the most sacred natural power places of Finland, and we welcome you to learn about our Ancestral ways together with us. As your course guide will serve the local Helena Karhu, whose ancestral roots are deeply from the region.
We meet in the harbor of Koli. We travel by boat through the lake islands towards the magical Tarina-aho retreat place in Kelvänsaari Island. The enchantment of Tarina-aho is difficult to describe in words or photos; we enter a world whose traditional Finnish wooden buildings and special island milieu support awakening our senses, raising spells, and summoning the nature spirits.
We are going to get to know the natural dimensions of our own folklore. During the weekend, we will learn the basics of shamanism and relax together. We will enjoy the unique nature of Kelvänsaari on an incredibly beautiful beach, and for a moment we will touch the beautiful secrets of Koli's nature for the bearers of folk traditions or other nature lovers.
This course is suitable for anyone who has natural curiosity to learn about the basics of a shaman's activity, the natural dimensions of human consciousness, and our own selves at this point in our life path. We look at shamanism both from the point of view of our own cultural heritage and from a wider global dimension, which includes our experiences and connections around the world. The course is especially aimed at people who are getting to know the shaman's world for the first time, or for people who have practiced on their own, but now want to enjoy togetherness with likeminded souls for a long weekend. The weekend is also suitable for those who have practiced shamanism before, even those who have taken a basic course - because now is a good time to start again and learn from the nature of this place.
During the course, we will cover the cornerstones of the shaman's activity. We create a common energetic base from which shamanistic activity can develop. We learn about the basic elements of the universe, and we get an experiential understanding of how these are combined in shamanistic consciousness. The participants make their own shamanistic altars, i.e. the so-called "medicine tables", which acts as a support point for the shaman in finding his/her own magic. You will learn how to make a good foundation for your own possible shamanic activity. The altar serves as the center of the shaman's work, collecting the most important tools and objects. We will also make a shared shamanic altar outside, dedicating it to the local nature spirits of Koli and Pielinen, and our course destination Tarina-aho.
The purpose of the course is to strengthen your life path, whether you are a practitioner of shamanism after the course or not. The purpose of all shamanic activity is simply to be who we are. During the weekend, let nature tell you more about who you are.
About the course guide:
Helena Karhu is a native northkarelian teacher of shamanism and folklore, cultural producer and researcher, and mother of twins. Helena's mission in life is in the House of Bear, which she founded. The aim of her company is to nurture the connection with nature and wisdom traditions. Karhu is writing a dissertation research on Finnish shamanism at the Joensuu campus of the University of Eastern Finland. In 2018, Helena returned to Joensuu after more than 13 years in Copenhagen, and she has also lived in Greenland and Alaska. The spirit of the Northern ancestors and nature invites her to tell more about the northern nature, the original shamanic tradition, and to combine archaic methods and the possibilities of contemporary culture.
The retreat center:
Tarina-aho, Kelvänsaari, Koli. Tarina-Aho is a unique accommodation destination in Pielinen, in the middle of the Koli national landscape in Kelvänsaari Island, North Karelia, Finland. The property of Tarina-aho consists of three traditional log buildings, which were originally made by hand in North Karelia and later moved to Kelvänsaari. For the young entrepreneur-couple of Tarina-aho "This is a place that combines nature, Lake Pielinen, peace of mind, the simplicity of things, and the North Karelian tradition. Arriving at Tarina-Aho is like a trip back in time - busy everyday life and worries leave the mainland when you get on the boat." More information: https://www.tarinaaho.com/
"No pictures can properly describe the uniqueness and charm of Tarina-aho. The place has to be experienced. The buildings that exude cultural history, the two-part smoke sauna, the quiet location in the bay of the island, the magical objects all make an impression." Helena
Accommodation:
We will arrange accommodation for your visit in three different buildings located in the atmospheric courtyard of Tarina-Aho. Accommodation takes place with your own bed linen, although if necessary we can rent them for €10/set (incl. bed sheet, pillow case, duvet cover and towel). The space rental includes the use of the smoke sauna in the evenings for an unlimited time - the saunas only get better with time. The smoke sauna is an excellent way to relax after long days at the course. Our large smoke sauna is located on the beach of Pielinen and there is a covered cooling area in front of the sauna.
Boat transport:
We go to the island off Koli from the harbor of Koli. Our route passes in front of the peaks of Koli, following the rugged island line of the national park, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Pielinen. The ship is open seaworthy and suitable for any weather, although for the sake of traveling comfort, we ride slower in bigger waves. The boat can accommodate 10 people at the same time.
Is the course suitable for me?
The course is suitable for everyone who feels interested in the subject of the course. Please notice, that the destination requires normal mobility and is unfortunately unsuitable for disabled. The course is alcohol- and substance-free, and the meals are vegetarian.
Registration for the course:
The participation fee is 250 EUR incl. 24% VAT, incl. course content and a small surprise.
In addition to this, there is accommodation with full board (incl. all meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday brunch) in shared rooms for 2-5 people, including a smoke sauna in the evenings and boat trips from the port of Koli to Kelvänsaari and back, a total of 274 EUR (incl. VAT) / 3 days / per person.
Registrations via e-mail to info@karhuntalo.com
The course fee does not include trips from your home to Koli Port and back and travel insurance. Course participants are obliged to familiarize themselves with reservation and cancellation conditions: https://www.karhuntalo.com/ehdot
Preliminary program of the course:
Thursday:
Before we meet, I recommend trekking in Koli, if it's possible.
16.00- Arrival of the participants at the harbor of Koli
17.00 Start of the course
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Ceremony or Drum Journey
Friday:
08.00 Breakfast
09:00 Course program
12:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Break
15:00 Course program
18.00 Dinner
Sauna
Afternoon tea/ evening snack
Campfire circle
Saturday:
08.00 Breakfast
09:00 Course program
12:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Break
15:00 Course program
18.00 Dinner
Sauna
Afternoon tea/ evening snack
Campfire circle
Sunday:
10:00-12:00 Brunch
12:00 Final circle
13:00 Boat transport to the harbor at the mainland
Possibility of excursions in Koli